A fresh perspective on the future of farming and the next generation of industry leaders driving it forward will be the focus of 2018’s Nuffield Australia National Conference, being held in Melbourne from 18 to 20 September 2018.

Young farmers and farm managers, industry and government representatives will come together for the event, to hear the latest research findings from Nuffield Scholars and to network with Australia’s dynamic agribusiness sector.

Known as a hub for corporate agribusiness in Australia and the capital of our largest food and fibre exporting state, Nuffield CEO Jodie Dean said Melbourne was a natural fit for the organisation’s flagship event, and encouraged everyone involved in agriculture to attend.

“As a state and city at the forefront of agribusiness, we see a clear connection between Melbourne and our latest Nuffield Scholars who are returning from their global study tour brimming with innovative insights and ideas,” Ms Dean said.

“The conference represents the cutting edge of agricultural innovation and thought leadership, as well as an opportunity for attendees to apply new learnings to their own business, and the agricultural sector more broadly.

“In 2018, returning Scholars’ will cover topics ranging from an unveiling of global best practice in marketing of fine wines directly to consumers, reigniting Australia’s leadership in precision agriculture, the revolutionary use of robotics in horticulture, as well as exploring new collection and processing options for dairy data, and building great teams in agriculture, to name just a few.”

Ms Dean said the Nuffield National Conference was a meeting place for some of the brightest minds in Australian agriculture, with a key highlight being the announcement of the successful 2019 Nuffield Scholarship applicants at the distinguished Awards Dinner.

“The announcement of the new Nuffield Scholars provides a first glimpse into the new study topics being investigated and our Scholars’ vision to produce change in the sector, which is particularly pertinent to those who want to keep their finger on the pulse in Australian agriculture,” she said.

“The event has a youthful and positive energy that we hope will attract and inspire agricultural graduates to get involved in the agricultural sector and to one day apply for a Nuffield Scholarship themselves.

“The Nuffield Alumni invariably become the movers and shakers of Australian and global agriculture, and this acknowledgement amongst the agribusiness sector, agricultural graduates and industry groups serves to cement the Nuffield National Conference as a landmark event on the Australian agriculture calendar.”